I was rereading my own blog again and came across the first "Setting the Record Straight".
I know myself well enough to know that sometimes I push an image of myself forward which isn't me. In those cases, I'm more aggressive than I really am.
When I walk on the street I don't think people very often think: "Let's stay away from her". I base that on the fact people always ask me for directions and for some reason decide it would be nice to start a conversation with me. In those cases, I am short in response and conversations usually don't last longer than a few words.
Thing is, I'm usually mellow. I'm also usually withdrawn in my own world. And cursing people I do plenty, but in my head. Only when I'm in a really bad mood I'll curse people on the street under my breath.
I don't like to be approached by strangers on the street, because they interfere in my dreaming.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Fandom or Artist?
I’ve been a fangirl since my 12th. The first and only time it really happened to me. I was just a kiddywink. It’s been so long ago; I can’t even remember how I came across Take That. Yes, I was a Take That fan.
I was obsessed. On Thursdays, after school, I would walk into the bookshop were they also sold papers and magazines. Every week I picked up the latest issues of several teen magazines, as long Take That was in it, which they always were. I collected all the interviews and put them together in some maps. I collected all the posters and redecorated my whole bedroom with them. There was nowhere a piece of original wallpaper to be seen. I nearly literally breathed, ate, drank and slept Take That. I could also shower in Take That, I had the shampoo, but that would have been a waste. I drove my mom up the Take That decorated walls. In 1996 it suddenly ended to my horror and grief. The boys had decided to quit. Looking back, I was losing interest at that point and the blow wasn’t as hard as I always pretended it was. Not even my mom realized that.
A period of quiet and piece came. I can remember lying on the couch listening to the Spice Girls wondering if they could be my next big thing. They weren’t and I was getting bored. It was then I realized I was addicted to fandom. Not the “belonging to a group”, but the means to escape reality for a bit. Luckily for me, mankind had been making popular music for quite a while and somewhere between 1996 and 1998 I invested all my energy into the Beatles. What I remember from that is my family making fun of me by saying things like: “No need to worry, she’ll keep the fanclub going!” I also remember frequent trips to the library to pick up everything about them I could find. I didn’t throw any of that out. I should make good of that new ladder I bought and take my Beatles stuff down.
Then 1998 happened and I went to college. It was the year of the very first Big Brother series and Dutch popular music. Watching Big Brother happened by default, because I was part of the Dutch flog, and listening to a lot of Dutch languaged music also happened by default, because it seemed that was all they were playing. I found a new love, Acda & de Munnik. A duo normally touring the Dutch theatres, but this time having a big hit. They were really good. They are still really good, but out of fashion and about 15 years older. WOW! It’s really been that long? After that came Queen, then Monty Python, then Kiefer Sutherland, then Jude Cole, and eventually John Mayer and Jason Mraz which brings us in the period 2005-2010.
The reason I just wrote this lengthy introduction to my reply to Becky is, I wanted to point out that it was easy for me to jump (not the shark, what the hell does Doctor Who have to do with sharks!?!?!?) ship. Even in my most faithful period I was not only listening to Take That, I was also listening to East 17, their enemies (you know press). I never restricted myself to just one artist or band or group, I always wanted to see the rest as well. Pretty much like me now wanting to also read Cantara’s book (thanks for the link) and checking out Stephen’s flaws for myself by maybe reading his blog since that is as close I’ll ever get to having a window into a Gyllenhaal world. For me it’s not hard to break the habit because they are many, but because they facilitate an ideal.
I find your (nearly) last sentence funny and ironic: “I think it’s easier to break the habit when it’s just one celeb.”
My biggest love in all my fandoms must be Queen, because it was with that band I did most of my growing up. Where I ocassionally listen to them or watch or read stuff about them, I pretty much let go; I hardly write about them. More John and Jason, because they’re more recent and my adventures were more exciting, but I have no clue what they’re doing right now. While you seem to have difficulty to let go of Jake. I must admit, he’s hot!
Summary: It’s missing a facilitator that binds me to fandom.
Now you might wonder why I can’t dream about the boy next door, for instance. The reason is those celebs are easy to avoid meeting to ever getting to know them. I can attribute the flaws, the once I can deal or work with. I can decide how they will develop (or not). I can’t with real people. They’re real, out of my control and it’s slightly embarrassing to fantasize about people I personally know.
Yesterday I started reading Cantara's book. I just finished the Babygate chapter.
I was obsessed. On Thursdays, after school, I would walk into the bookshop were they also sold papers and magazines. Every week I picked up the latest issues of several teen magazines, as long Take That was in it, which they always were. I collected all the interviews and put them together in some maps. I collected all the posters and redecorated my whole bedroom with them. There was nowhere a piece of original wallpaper to be seen. I nearly literally breathed, ate, drank and slept Take That. I could also shower in Take That, I had the shampoo, but that would have been a waste. I drove my mom up the Take That decorated walls. In 1996 it suddenly ended to my horror and grief. The boys had decided to quit. Looking back, I was losing interest at that point and the blow wasn’t as hard as I always pretended it was. Not even my mom realized that.
A period of quiet and piece came. I can remember lying on the couch listening to the Spice Girls wondering if they could be my next big thing. They weren’t and I was getting bored. It was then I realized I was addicted to fandom. Not the “belonging to a group”, but the means to escape reality for a bit. Luckily for me, mankind had been making popular music for quite a while and somewhere between 1996 and 1998 I invested all my energy into the Beatles. What I remember from that is my family making fun of me by saying things like: “No need to worry, she’ll keep the fanclub going!” I also remember frequent trips to the library to pick up everything about them I could find. I didn’t throw any of that out. I should make good of that new ladder I bought and take my Beatles stuff down.
Then 1998 happened and I went to college. It was the year of the very first Big Brother series and Dutch popular music. Watching Big Brother happened by default, because I was part of the Dutch flog, and listening to a lot of Dutch languaged music also happened by default, because it seemed that was all they were playing. I found a new love, Acda & de Munnik. A duo normally touring the Dutch theatres, but this time having a big hit. They were really good. They are still really good, but out of fashion and about 15 years older. WOW! It’s really been that long? After that came Queen, then Monty Python, then Kiefer Sutherland, then Jude Cole, and eventually John Mayer and Jason Mraz which brings us in the period 2005-2010.
The reason I just wrote this lengthy introduction to my reply to Becky is, I wanted to point out that it was easy for me to jump (not the shark, what the hell does Doctor Who have to do with sharks!?!?!?) ship. Even in my most faithful period I was not only listening to Take That, I was also listening to East 17, their enemies (you know press). I never restricted myself to just one artist or band or group, I always wanted to see the rest as well. Pretty much like me now wanting to also read Cantara’s book (thanks for the link) and checking out Stephen’s flaws for myself by maybe reading his blog since that is as close I’ll ever get to having a window into a Gyllenhaal world. For me it’s not hard to break the habit because they are many, but because they facilitate an ideal.
I find your (nearly) last sentence funny and ironic: “I think it’s easier to break the habit when it’s just one celeb.”
My biggest love in all my fandoms must be Queen, because it was with that band I did most of my growing up. Where I ocassionally listen to them or watch or read stuff about them, I pretty much let go; I hardly write about them. More John and Jason, because they’re more recent and my adventures were more exciting, but I have no clue what they’re doing right now. While you seem to have difficulty to let go of Jake. I must admit, he’s hot!
Summary: It’s missing a facilitator that binds me to fandom.
Now you might wonder why I can’t dream about the boy next door, for instance. The reason is those celebs are easy to avoid meeting to ever getting to know them. I can attribute the flaws, the once I can deal or work with. I can decide how they will develop (or not). I can’t with real people. They’re real, out of my control and it’s slightly embarrassing to fantasize about people I personally know.
Yesterday I started reading Cantara's book. I just finished the Babygate chapter.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Just Some Stupid Fact About My Stupid Blog...Behaviour
Did you know that the most posts in one month were actually posted in the shortest month? And that I also moved from MySpace to Blogger and back to MySpace and then back to Blogger? No? Oh well, now you know.
The First Time I Met Jason
First of all, I’m flattered you want to come back and read more and for coming here at all. In case you are serious, I have to warn you; I tend to ramble on in incoherent fashion and sometimes post blogs weeks/months/years old that don’t represent my opinion anymore. Also most of my blogs are about some sort of fandom, or it is me whinging about my life. Not necessarily interesting.
Then to reply and react to your reactions.
In your comment, which you left a few blogs ago, you said:
Yes, the first time was special. Not only because it was the first time, but also because Jason wasn’t that famous yet, nor did he behave like a famous prick yet. He was simply an American guy with a guitar who wanted to play some songs to us Dutchies. It was after his late afternoon concert in a sweaty little club name Rotown with restaurant attached to the back. Not to Jason’s back, to the club’s back. I mention this, because the restaurant played a big part in my first meeting with Jason.
I mentioned this evening in the “My Life as an Online Fangirl” blog. I was 25/26 and I had just met Fleur (25), fellow fan and liker of buns with tuna. We both felt we were too old and too cool to behave like fangirls, and Jason had to come to us if he wanted to meet us. It seemed Jason didn’t want to meet us and ignored us completely. How rude!
After the concert I decided I was going to stay a little longer to have diner in the restaurant and I invited Fleur to join me. Fleur, who was supposed to attend a birthday party, agreed. I’m guessing because Jason was seated in a lone corner of the restaurant instead of turning up on the birthday party. We sat down two tables apart from him. Fleur could see him easily, I had to turn my neck in an uncomfortable position which didn’t keep me from doing so every so often. Somehow between glare three and four I lost sight of Jason. He had moved from his table. Turning my head and neck back in a more natural position I found out, to my shock, that Jason was now practically sitting next to me.
Okay, don’t get too excited. He was not sitting at our table, he was sitting at the table next to ours and he was talking to two people and all I could see was his back. Sounds familiar? Also this is getting much longer than I anticipated. Never mind.
We, Fleur and I, still thinking we were too cool and old, ate our diner while staring at Jason’s back and exchanging glares which pretty much said: Now what!? Jason made up his mind and with that solved our problem of “Now what” by leaving the restaurant. Fleur and I finished our diner, debated if we should have a dessert, decided against it, because we figured Jason might be hanging around the area. Which he did. Closer even, than we thought. The moment we were about to leave the restaurant he came back into the restaurant. Fleur, in all her fangirlish behaviour and courage approached Jason telling him we were actually about to leave, but could she shake his hand? Jason agreed, extended hand, and then was engaged in a very frantic, three-handed handshake (Fleur provided the third hand) before she ran out of the door leaving me behind. Jason was now staring at me, hand extended. I’m actually very shy and choose that moment to execute my shyness and run out of words to say. So I grabbed his hand, shook it, spluttered something like “I’m with her” and then ran out of the door vaguely waving him goodbye.
That was the first time I met Jason. The second time was during the same evening and I was still with Fleur. Eventhough we decided we were too cool to behave like fangirls, it was during that particular evening I showed my most erratic and blatant stalking behaviour. After having left the restaurant Fleur and I made up excuses to go back in. After Jason didn’t approach us in the restaurant (How rude!!!) we left as well shortly after he left to see if he was hanging around on the street. I can even pretty much remember our conversation. Fleur was complaining we didn’t take our chances and I decided to try and comfort her by saying: “Maybe he’s hanging around on the street somewhere and we’ll walk into him.” To which she replied: “Yeah, there he is.” And yeah, there he was indeed. The second meeting was just as erratic and chaotic as the first one. Fleur went fan mad in a very 25 year old woman fashion, by rambling incomprehensibly and me, I didn’t say a word and neither did Jason.
After that evening every other meeting with Jason was boring and very typical and definitely not as exciting. It was meeting him with a bunch of other people. Asking autograph, Jason signing stuff, mumbling thank you, that’s it. No conversation, hardly any contact, nothing personal about it. To me, it felt empty. Also because in the end, Jason never remembered and I’m remembering less and less about it. Looking back, it all seems so far away, something from a different life. More important things have happened, and Jason never remembered me. I don’t mean to put you down, but yes, he was in some cases nicer to me than Jake was to you. Do I have something with Jason? No. I have something in my head, a memory and a deflated feeling, while Jason has no recollection of me at all. What did mean something to me and has given me a lot of joy and entertainment were his (Dutch) fans. We did wonderful crazy things, but that’s a story for another time.
Then to reply and react to your reactions.
In your comment, which you left a few blogs ago, you said:
“And I’m jealous! :) You got something with Jason that I never got with Jake, and I don’t know now if it would have made things better or worse had my situation worked out differently.”There’s no need to be jealous, cause in the end, I don’t have anything with Jason. Incidentally, or maybe not incidentally at all, I thought about me meeting him not long ago. I revisited every single time I met him, or I should really say: I revisited the times I specifically remember meeting him. I have a distinct feeling that I forgot about a few times, or maybe I dreamt it which is not unthinkable.
Yes, the first time was special. Not only because it was the first time, but also because Jason wasn’t that famous yet, nor did he behave like a famous prick yet. He was simply an American guy with a guitar who wanted to play some songs to us Dutchies. It was after his late afternoon concert in a sweaty little club name Rotown with restaurant attached to the back. Not to Jason’s back, to the club’s back. I mention this, because the restaurant played a big part in my first meeting with Jason.
I mentioned this evening in the “My Life as an Online Fangirl” blog. I was 25/26 and I had just met Fleur (25), fellow fan and liker of buns with tuna. We both felt we were too old and too cool to behave like fangirls, and Jason had to come to us if he wanted to meet us. It seemed Jason didn’t want to meet us and ignored us completely. How rude!
After the concert I decided I was going to stay a little longer to have diner in the restaurant and I invited Fleur to join me. Fleur, who was supposed to attend a birthday party, agreed. I’m guessing because Jason was seated in a lone corner of the restaurant instead of turning up on the birthday party. We sat down two tables apart from him. Fleur could see him easily, I had to turn my neck in an uncomfortable position which didn’t keep me from doing so every so often. Somehow between glare three and four I lost sight of Jason. He had moved from his table. Turning my head and neck back in a more natural position I found out, to my shock, that Jason was now practically sitting next to me.
Okay, don’t get too excited. He was not sitting at our table, he was sitting at the table next to ours and he was talking to two people and all I could see was his back. Sounds familiar? Also this is getting much longer than I anticipated. Never mind.
We, Fleur and I, still thinking we were too cool and old, ate our diner while staring at Jason’s back and exchanging glares which pretty much said: Now what!? Jason made up his mind and with that solved our problem of “Now what” by leaving the restaurant. Fleur and I finished our diner, debated if we should have a dessert, decided against it, because we figured Jason might be hanging around the area. Which he did. Closer even, than we thought. The moment we were about to leave the restaurant he came back into the restaurant. Fleur, in all her fangirlish behaviour and courage approached Jason telling him we were actually about to leave, but could she shake his hand? Jason agreed, extended hand, and then was engaged in a very frantic, three-handed handshake (Fleur provided the third hand) before she ran out of the door leaving me behind. Jason was now staring at me, hand extended. I’m actually very shy and choose that moment to execute my shyness and run out of words to say. So I grabbed his hand, shook it, spluttered something like “I’m with her” and then ran out of the door vaguely waving him goodbye.
That was the first time I met Jason. The second time was during the same evening and I was still with Fleur. Eventhough we decided we were too cool to behave like fangirls, it was during that particular evening I showed my most erratic and blatant stalking behaviour. After having left the restaurant Fleur and I made up excuses to go back in. After Jason didn’t approach us in the restaurant (How rude!!!) we left as well shortly after he left to see if he was hanging around on the street. I can even pretty much remember our conversation. Fleur was complaining we didn’t take our chances and I decided to try and comfort her by saying: “Maybe he’s hanging around on the street somewhere and we’ll walk into him.” To which she replied: “Yeah, there he is.” And yeah, there he was indeed. The second meeting was just as erratic and chaotic as the first one. Fleur went fan mad in a very 25 year old woman fashion, by rambling incomprehensibly and me, I didn’t say a word and neither did Jason.
After that evening every other meeting with Jason was boring and very typical and definitely not as exciting. It was meeting him with a bunch of other people. Asking autograph, Jason signing stuff, mumbling thank you, that’s it. No conversation, hardly any contact, nothing personal about it. To me, it felt empty. Also because in the end, Jason never remembered and I’m remembering less and less about it. Looking back, it all seems so far away, something from a different life. More important things have happened, and Jason never remembered me. I don’t mean to put you down, but yes, he was in some cases nicer to me than Jake was to you. Do I have something with Jason? No. I have something in my head, a memory and a deflated feeling, while Jason has no recollection of me at all. What did mean something to me and has given me a lot of joy and entertainment were his (Dutch) fans. We did wonderful crazy things, but that’s a story for another time.
Did I ever tell you about...
Did I ever tell you about the period in which both John and Jason moved from Myspace to blogger, then back to Myspace and then back to Blogger? And how both stopped blogging all together around, I don't know, 2011?
Yeah, let's not.
Still so glad Jake refuses to connect online. Do you think anyone would survive a whole blog full of Gyllenbabble? Actually, that could be an interesting experiment. It could be hilarious, or painful. Or hilariously painful.
Yeah, let's not.
Still so glad Jake refuses to connect online. Do you think anyone would survive a whole blog full of Gyllenbabble? Actually, that could be an interesting experiment. It could be hilarious, or painful. Or hilariously painful.
Preparation for Personal Development Conversation
Since I was a child, or more specifically since I could write, I’ve been writing short stories. Sometimes, or actually quite often, I only wrote a summary or a skeleton for a story and then left it at that. For school I also wrote a few short stories and I received a 9 for one of those stories which is the equivalent of an A. Another piece I wrote got me an 8 and the teacher, who was very strict, classified that as a “very good, with some exercise you could become a writer”. A 9 or 10 meant “You should be a writer”. Even though my Dutch teacher didn’t quite see a writer in me, I definitely had the highest grade in the class.
I never wanted to be a writer, because my parents taught me that it was not a proper job. I had to want to become something “normal”, like a teacher or a nurse. So I wanted to become a teacher, or a nurse. I didn’t act as if I really wanted to become a teacher or a nurse, and quite honestly, that was because I didn’t want to become a teacher nor a nurse. However, when I had to make a first choice, I still fooled myself into thinking I wanted to become a nurse. Even at the tender age of 12 I just wanted to write.
I wanted to write, but didn’t want to become a writer. I still don’t really, the prospect of having to think up thinks to write about scares the hell out of me. Writer’s block is a very real thing and I never wanted to have to battle that for the sake of making some money. So I made a sensible choice and studied information services and management and ended up in IT.
A lot of people think working in IT is not very creative. It might not be art, though I challenge you to defend that statement, but IT is as creative as one can become. Thinking up solutions for IT problems, or wishes from users requires quite a bit of knowledge of IT (What is possible? About everything!) and creativity. I thought I wanted to do something more creative. A colleague once told me that working in IT, in what we did, means you have a very creative job.There is never just one way to solve a problem and when you manage to come up with really inventive and creative solutions, the bit of software you want to deliver might exceed expectations. I also like to boast about how useful such piece of software can be if built, implemented and used propperly. Definitely more useful than a movie or a song. (After at least 2 years I’m still angry with Jason with feeling sorry for us office mongers. I’m sure I even blogged a very angry blob about that on this particular blobber…uh-blogger, blogspot.)
Thinking about it, you might think I get enough creative stimulance. Yes, well. At this moment I landed in a department where technical connections between applications are realized. They standardized the proces and products to come to a connection. That’s all very noble and wise for the sake of maintenance, but it also makes my job just that bit dull. I’m restricted to selecting or not selecting certain functional steps. To keep things simple there are only 5 functional steps and I have to decide, based on information I should get from our clients, which one to use and which one not to use. From that point on, it’s all pretty much the same for every connection.
I can get my kicks out of this job, because I have to meet and talk to so many people. That’s where the creativity lies in my job, getting the information and data I need to make a design. Still. I want to do something more creative. Something with which I can express myself. That’s my complaint. Yes, that’s why I’m polluting this part of the web with my never ceasing blabbering.
So that’s a bit of my day-to-day life. My job. That what I (I’m supposed to) do on a daily basis when the day is not Saturday or Sunday.
I never wanted to be a writer, because my parents taught me that it was not a proper job. I had to want to become something “normal”, like a teacher or a nurse. So I wanted to become a teacher, or a nurse. I didn’t act as if I really wanted to become a teacher or a nurse, and quite honestly, that was because I didn’t want to become a teacher nor a nurse. However, when I had to make a first choice, I still fooled myself into thinking I wanted to become a nurse. Even at the tender age of 12 I just wanted to write.
I wanted to write, but didn’t want to become a writer. I still don’t really, the prospect of having to think up thinks to write about scares the hell out of me. Writer’s block is a very real thing and I never wanted to have to battle that for the sake of making some money. So I made a sensible choice and studied information services and management and ended up in IT.
A lot of people think working in IT is not very creative. It might not be art, though I challenge you to defend that statement, but IT is as creative as one can become. Thinking up solutions for IT problems, or wishes from users requires quite a bit of knowledge of IT (What is possible? About everything!) and creativity. I thought I wanted to do something more creative. A colleague once told me that working in IT, in what we did, means you have a very creative job.There is never just one way to solve a problem and when you manage to come up with really inventive and creative solutions, the bit of software you want to deliver might exceed expectations. I also like to boast about how useful such piece of software can be if built, implemented and used propperly. Definitely more useful than a movie or a song. (After at least 2 years I’m still angry with Jason with feeling sorry for us office mongers. I’m sure I even blogged a very angry blob about that on this particular blobber…uh-blogger, blogspot.)
Thinking about it, you might think I get enough creative stimulance. Yes, well. At this moment I landed in a department where technical connections between applications are realized. They standardized the proces and products to come to a connection. That’s all very noble and wise for the sake of maintenance, but it also makes my job just that bit dull. I’m restricted to selecting or not selecting certain functional steps. To keep things simple there are only 5 functional steps and I have to decide, based on information I should get from our clients, which one to use and which one not to use. From that point on, it’s all pretty much the same for every connection.
What's grey I'm not going to use.
So that’s a bit of my day-to-day life. My job. That what I (I’m supposed to) do on a daily basis when the day is not Saturday or Sunday.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
My Life as an Online Fangirl....or something
It’s not exactly the first time that (online) fandom has such a grip on me.
Finally I made a serious effort to read the book “I’m Stalking Jake!”. Yes, as expected, a lot of my own memories come to the surface while reading the book. However, I’m not as invested nor can I completely relate to her. The biggest differences between her and me is, she aimed much higher than me and therefore got more disappointed than me. She also took every rejection personal, which I never did, I just moved on. And she invested all her online fandom in Jake, I invested it in Jason. The latter means that I had not that much trouble meeting Jason, I did so several times. She had much more difficulty trying to meet Jake to only really see his back the first time.
I think on the whole, I was more down to earth about it though not less obsessed, and I was lucky. And everything I did Jason related was mainly for me to be entertained and for the fans. We never had any illusions Jason would stop by the forum or would recognize us at all. But that might have something to do with being down to earth Dutch people.
Another thought why Hollywood stars might be less in touch with the fans than popstars: Popstars look their fans in the eyes during their concerts, so to speak. When do filmstars ever really look their fans in the eye? Yes, only when they turn up at red carpets where the stars walk by, maybe autograph some stuff, but that all lasts as much as 3 seconds. A concert lasts at least an hour.
But all those thoughts aside, fandom had me in its grip again. The above three paragraphs I wrote about a week ago. By now I’ve finished reading the book and I’m trying to find Cantara Christopher’s book, the once publicist for Stephen’s poetry, to read her side of the story. I suppose I also have to start reading Stephen Gyllenhaal’s blog to get as rounded an idea as possible. You have no idea how happy I am Jake doesn’t do public online communication at all.
Certain things about your idols you don’t want to find out. For me it was discovering their actual flaws, cause they actually put me off unlike the flaws I entitled to them. That happened in cases of John Mayer (confused rock brat with no idea about healthy relationships), Jason Mraz (idiot idealist with no idea about healthy relationships) and Jake obviously (disconnected and emotionally confused movie actor brat with no idea about healthy relationships). I’m starting to see a pattern, now I’m worried. Believe it or not, but this last paragraph and self-knowledge just made me laugh and I can inform you it was not the “no idea about healthy ralationships” flaw that put me off, or is/was it.
But I didn’t intend to write about them, I intended to write about fandom, or more accurately, about my reaction to fandom.
I remember reeling with excitement when a picture of John and Jason together appeared online. Two of my idols in one not-photoshopped picture; WOW! I remember arguing, no, fighting with certain RKOP (Jason Mraz’ official forum) members. In both cases I was well shaken up and decided to lie down work, as if I was actually working, to take a long walk through the office, from my workstation to the canteen and back. In some cases I would calm down enough to crouch back behind the PC, in other cases I was still shaking when I left the building to go home.
Becky Heineke the author of the book “I’m Stalking Jake” and co-writer of the blog Jakewatch wrote a reaction to Cantara’s book. I read the blog. I also read some of the comments and mainly Becky’s reaction to their comments. In one such reply she wrote the following:
That’s exactly how I felt reading her book, or Cantara’s accounts, eventhough for me it’s less personal. The in coherent rambling from above is the result after a long walk through my office building, from my workstation to the canteen and back. A new era is starting, concerning that we’re beautifully living up to the Maya’s predictions. Looking back, it was an absolutely ridiculous and crazy ride, but I’m glad I took it. Now I arrived at a point where I actually really believe, unlike 6/7 years ago, that I’m getting too old to behave like a fangirl.
Back when I was 25/26 I was telling myself and some choice colleague fans, that I was too old to behave like a fangirl. That resulted in us waiting behind instead of approaching him; we were surprisingly lucky to meet and talk to Jason twice that evening. It also resulted in us (different fan) not waiting in line anymore, but instead go “sampling” the local dishes and arrive about 5 seconds in the venue, 5th row from the stage, before Jason climbed on stage. We had the most fun in both cases.
These days however, I leave the hotel late because I don’t necessarily feel like leaving early in hopes to catch a glimps of my idol. Neither do I stay behind with the same hopes, I don’t even search for the artist’s entrance or backdoor; I go straight back to the hotel or home. What I don’t do anymore either is going on forums to talk about concerts months before the concert, or waiting impatiently online to get tickets. Nor do I discuss meeting places, let alone meeting online acquired friends.
Strangely I miss it and I don’t. When a feeling of “miss” goes through my head I try to figure out what changed, what I’m doing differently. When I figured out what I’m doing differently I realize that I don’t want to do it the old way anymore and I immediately stop missing my old fandom days and yet I miss it. Funny, eh?
Finally I made a serious effort to read the book “I’m Stalking Jake!”. Yes, as expected, a lot of my own memories come to the surface while reading the book. However, I’m not as invested nor can I completely relate to her. The biggest differences between her and me is, she aimed much higher than me and therefore got more disappointed than me. She also took every rejection personal, which I never did, I just moved on. And she invested all her online fandom in Jake, I invested it in Jason. The latter means that I had not that much trouble meeting Jason, I did so several times. She had much more difficulty trying to meet Jake to only really see his back the first time.
I think on the whole, I was more down to earth about it though not less obsessed, and I was lucky. And everything I did Jason related was mainly for me to be entertained and for the fans. We never had any illusions Jason would stop by the forum or would recognize us at all. But that might have something to do with being down to earth Dutch people.
Another thought why Hollywood stars might be less in touch with the fans than popstars: Popstars look their fans in the eyes during their concerts, so to speak. When do filmstars ever really look their fans in the eye? Yes, only when they turn up at red carpets where the stars walk by, maybe autograph some stuff, but that all lasts as much as 3 seconds. A concert lasts at least an hour.
But all those thoughts aside, fandom had me in its grip again. The above three paragraphs I wrote about a week ago. By now I’ve finished reading the book and I’m trying to find Cantara Christopher’s book, the once publicist for Stephen’s poetry, to read her side of the story. I suppose I also have to start reading Stephen Gyllenhaal’s blog to get as rounded an idea as possible. You have no idea how happy I am Jake doesn’t do public online communication at all.
Certain things about your idols you don’t want to find out. For me it was discovering their actual flaws, cause they actually put me off unlike the flaws I entitled to them. That happened in cases of John Mayer (confused rock brat with no idea about healthy relationships), Jason Mraz (idiot idealist with no idea about healthy relationships) and Jake obviously (disconnected and emotionally confused movie actor brat with no idea about healthy relationships). I’m starting to see a pattern, now I’m worried. Believe it or not, but this last paragraph and self-knowledge just made me laugh and I can inform you it was not the “no idea about healthy ralationships” flaw that put me off, or is/was it.
I remember reeling with excitement when a picture of John and Jason together appeared online. Two of my idols in one not-photoshopped picture; WOW! I remember arguing, no, fighting with certain RKOP (Jason Mraz’ official forum) members. In both cases I was well shaken up and decided to lie down work, as if I was actually working, to take a long walk through the office, from my workstation to the canteen and back. In some cases I would calm down enough to crouch back behind the PC, in other cases I was still shaking when I left the building to go home.
Becky Heineke the author of the book “I’m Stalking Jake” and co-writer of the blog Jakewatch wrote a reaction to Cantara’s book. I read the blog. I also read some of the comments and mainly Becky’s reaction to their comments. In one such reply she wrote the following:
This is a hard one to respond to! I had a lot of mixed emotions while I read...mostly in terms of digging up past emotions.
That’s exactly how I felt reading her book, or Cantara’s accounts, eventhough for me it’s less personal. The in coherent rambling from above is the result after a long walk through my office building, from my workstation to the canteen and back. A new era is starting, concerning that we’re beautifully living up to the Maya’s predictions. Looking back, it was an absolutely ridiculous and crazy ride, but I’m glad I took it. Now I arrived at a point where I actually really believe, unlike 6/7 years ago, that I’m getting too old to behave like a fangirl.
Back when I was 25/26 I was telling myself and some choice colleague fans, that I was too old to behave like a fangirl. That resulted in us waiting behind instead of approaching him; we were surprisingly lucky to meet and talk to Jason twice that evening. It also resulted in us (different fan) not waiting in line anymore, but instead go “sampling” the local dishes and arrive about 5 seconds in the venue, 5th row from the stage, before Jason climbed on stage. We had the most fun in both cases.
These days however, I leave the hotel late because I don’t necessarily feel like leaving early in hopes to catch a glimps of my idol. Neither do I stay behind with the same hopes, I don’t even search for the artist’s entrance or backdoor; I go straight back to the hotel or home. What I don’t do anymore either is going on forums to talk about concerts months before the concert, or waiting impatiently online to get tickets. Nor do I discuss meeting places, let alone meeting online acquired friends.
Strangely I miss it and I don’t. When a feeling of “miss” goes through my head I try to figure out what changed, what I’m doing differently. When I figured out what I’m doing differently I realize that I don’t want to do it the old way anymore and I immediately stop missing my old fandom days and yet I miss it. Funny, eh?
Friday, February 15, 2013
Me, Jake Gyllenhaal fan? No!!!
Today I was asked if I am a Jake Gyllenhaal fan. I answered no. Then I was informed Love & Other Drugs was on yesterday, to which I replied that the film is crap.
Oh well, I suppose they're on to me.
Oh well, I suppose they're on to me.
Monday, February 11, 2013
(Online) Society
Admittedly, I’m a complete online addict. I surf the Internet extensively. I have for over 10 years now. I’ve seen quite a few forums, discussion groups and online communities. I can get a sense of what an online community is like quickly. I have always come across a load of crap within every online community I’ve encountered so far. Hardly science this; just like in any sort of community you will come across a great diversity of people of different walks of life colliding with each other.
I came to a new theory concerning the online debris. Even though there is a clear sense of gangs bashing individuals, especially on forums, the individual seems to hold more power within the group than he would in real life. It’s one word against another without anyone wanting to pipe down, give up, give in or reflect. It’s a cunt fest for everyone involved.
We seem to forget even more that whatever anyone think is true or fact is often only an idea formed in one’s head. Especially when you venture into discussions about the quality of music, films, comedy, etc. Who decided what was gold anyway? Today I read in my comedy newsletter Terry Jones thought most of the Monty Python sketches weren’t funny. There you got it; 1 master bringing something down that’s regarded as a body of masterful work.
My problem is that a lot of the discussions held about what’s good or bad in any art is really a non-discussion. Those are discussions without end, because there will always be a group of people disagreeing. The discussion becomes even more pointless when obviously non-specified as “high” quality subjects are discussed. I was reading about “the Trip” with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon on CaB this afternoon. A lot of people absolutely loved it while others were completely confused by all the praise.
People are confused about CaB members being critical and not too fuzzed about Morris’ later works (after “the Day Today”). I’ve seen it happening before, for what timelines are worth in this case. Something similar happened on the John Mayer forum. I think it has much to do with how high the bar has been set during their earlier work. I must admit I’m guilty there. It’s just that you came to expect a certain level of quality and when they don’t reach it you’re disappointed beyond proportion. I’m aware that’s maybe not entirely fair, with natural development and all.
Another observation made is that CaB members are “elitist pricks”. So far I’ve not reached that predict; most seem just very convinced about their opinions (like pretty much anyone else online or in real life). Someone analyzed that’s because a group of users have been fans since the early days and therefore feel superior over new fans. Also that I haven’t seen yet, but I can believe that. RKOP springs to mind. Various discussions on various Doctor Who forums spring to mind too.
I came to a new theory concerning the online debris. Even though there is a clear sense of gangs bashing individuals, especially on forums, the individual seems to hold more power within the group than he would in real life. It’s one word against another without anyone wanting to pipe down, give up, give in or reflect. It’s a cunt fest for everyone involved.
We seem to forget even more that whatever anyone think is true or fact is often only an idea formed in one’s head. Especially when you venture into discussions about the quality of music, films, comedy, etc. Who decided what was gold anyway? Today I read in my comedy newsletter Terry Jones thought most of the Monty Python sketches weren’t funny. There you got it; 1 master bringing something down that’s regarded as a body of masterful work.
My problem is that a lot of the discussions held about what’s good or bad in any art is really a non-discussion. Those are discussions without end, because there will always be a group of people disagreeing. The discussion becomes even more pointless when obviously non-specified as “high” quality subjects are discussed. I was reading about “the Trip” with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon on CaB this afternoon. A lot of people absolutely loved it while others were completely confused by all the praise.
People are confused about CaB members being critical and not too fuzzed about Morris’ later works (after “the Day Today”). I’ve seen it happening before, for what timelines are worth in this case. Something similar happened on the John Mayer forum. I think it has much to do with how high the bar has been set during their earlier work. I must admit I’m guilty there. It’s just that you came to expect a certain level of quality and when they don’t reach it you’re disappointed beyond proportion. I’m aware that’s maybe not entirely fair, with natural development and all.
Another observation made is that CaB members are “elitist pricks”. So far I’ve not reached that predict; most seem just very convinced about their opinions (like pretty much anyone else online or in real life). Someone analyzed that’s because a group of users have been fans since the early days and therefore feel superior over new fans. Also that I haven’t seen yet, but I can believe that. RKOP springs to mind. Various discussions on various Doctor Who forums spring to mind too.
Researching the J.G.
A couple of months back, not yesterday. Yes, this is another old entry I never posted. Here it is after all this time.
Yesterday I was reading on forums and discussion groups to see what the online world thinks of him. He was not as popular as I suspected he was. Mentions of his name actually more often got the reaction I had to him. He’s there, that’s fine, but not really that interesting. One girl even had exactly the same reaction as me; she thought he was cute, but sometimes really doesn’t understand what it is that attracted her about him. Several people didn’t find him handsome, someone even thought he looked like a monkey.
There’s one thing he can do; looking like different sort of people. I found a music video clip in which he plays the main role. He plays a killing machine. Especially the scenes in which he’s being shaved are quite chilling. He just lies there staring and suddenly he doesn’t look that cute at all. It is fascinating and scary. I quite like it.
Still attractive in some way, cause he does keep me captivated in that video. He used to play quite a few of these characters. These days he plays more the nice guys, which is fine. Yet, I would love to see him play another psychopath, because he’s really good at it. I suppose I should see if I can find Donnie Darko somewhere.
Yesterday I was reading on forums and discussion groups to see what the online world thinks of him. He was not as popular as I suspected he was. Mentions of his name actually more often got the reaction I had to him. He’s there, that’s fine, but not really that interesting. One girl even had exactly the same reaction as me; she thought he was cute, but sometimes really doesn’t understand what it is that attracted her about him. Several people didn’t find him handsome, someone even thought he looked like a monkey.
There’s one thing he can do; looking like different sort of people. I found a music video clip in which he plays the main role. He plays a killing machine. Especially the scenes in which he’s being shaved are quite chilling. He just lies there staring and suddenly he doesn’t look that cute at all. It is fascinating and scary. I quite like it.
Still attractive in some way, cause he does keep me captivated in that video. He used to play quite a few of these characters. These days he plays more the nice guys, which is fine. Yet, I would love to see him play another psychopath, because he’s really good at it. I suppose I should see if I can find Donnie Darko somewhere.
Why I Love Doctor Who
It got so much power and so much heart. It also got so many ideas in all kind of shapes and forms. It offers a wide variation of story types, characters, relationships and emotions. It can be clever, it can be silly, it can be colourful, it can be visually stunning, it can be touching and it can be adventurous and exciting.
In other words, with Doctor Who, you never know what to expect and yet, in its execution, it is always so recognizably Doctor Who. And the funny thing is, that’s exactly how I would describe the main character of the show as well. The Doctor is all that, wildly different .
In other words, with Doctor Who, you never know what to expect and yet, in its execution, it is always so recognizably Doctor Who. And the funny thing is, that’s exactly how I would describe the main character of the show as well. The Doctor is all that, wildly different .
Friday, February 8, 2013
a Few More Thoughts About Jake and Then Some
Even working my new heroes into the stories doesn’t seem to go as easy anymore. I lost interest in Jake only a few weeks after I found that interest. Also, I don’t seem to have a grip on understanding who he is like I had on Jason and John. Not that I’m claiming to know those two, but I could quite accurately predict how they were going to react or what they were going to do next. Maybe they were just predictable, or maybe, or rather, I don’t care that much about Gyllenhaal.
It must be admitted; I find Jake Gyllenhaal incredibly cute…based on his looks. He seems down to earth enough from what I’ve seen of him in interviews and on talk shows. Of course I don’t know what he’s like on a more personal level or in private at all. And to be honest, I’m not that interested, I just want to dream about him, that way he remains perfect….Or not, we are still talking about my screwed up imagination….the poor thing.
For a while now I had the suspicion I’m turning into a shallow fangirl. I used to love some depth in characters and in stories. I still do, but I find myself more and more attracted to the looks of a person and I care less about the character. That’s why I don’t really care what JG is like in real life, I even don’t want to know. Like I wrote above, this way he remains (im)perfect completely to my wishes. Bliss.
Of course, in my own private life I still do care about someone’s character. Maybe even more than I used to. I don’t think I’m the easiest person to be in a love relationship with. I also started to say that I don’t need a boyfriend/husband, but rather a babysitter. Sad really, when you think about it. That’s one of the reasons why I’m still single after 2 years. That and the fact that I haven’t felt that one click with anyone anymore. Though I met a really cute boy last year in Berlin. I think he was a bit too young for my liking though.
Someone mentioned Jake Gyllenhaal could be a contender for the Christian Grey role. I read up about who Christian Grey is and since I feel like man hunting Jake Gyllenhaal. I feel that’s a bit a screwed up way of going about things. No fears, Jake Gyllenhaal is not within reach so I very probably won’t actually go man hunting him.
I just thought up a brilliant shot for my non-existing movie. I think I grew my hair to hide in it.
More and more I’m losing the ability and the will to fantasize. When I was young I was constantly making up stories, being somewhere else, being different. These days I have trouble getting a story on paper and in bed I just roll around and eventually fall asleep with only a few sentences of fantasy having passed my mind. I suppose I’m growing up.
Yesterday I was watching some interviews and stuff on YouTube. Jake Gyllenhaal being Jake Gyllenhaal, the charming and joking movie star. I watched some stuff from the Berlin International Film Festival. My, did he look good there. That man has a winning smile.
It must be admitted; I find Jake Gyllenhaal incredibly cute…based on his looks. He seems down to earth enough from what I’ve seen of him in interviews and on talk shows. Of course I don’t know what he’s like on a more personal level or in private at all. And to be honest, I’m not that interested, I just want to dream about him, that way he remains perfect….Or not, we are still talking about my screwed up imagination….the poor thing.
For a while now I had the suspicion I’m turning into a shallow fangirl. I used to love some depth in characters and in stories. I still do, but I find myself more and more attracted to the looks of a person and I care less about the character. That’s why I don’t really care what JG is like in real life, I even don’t want to know. Like I wrote above, this way he remains (im)perfect completely to my wishes. Bliss.
Of course, in my own private life I still do care about someone’s character. Maybe even more than I used to. I don’t think I’m the easiest person to be in a love relationship with. I also started to say that I don’t need a boyfriend/husband, but rather a babysitter. Sad really, when you think about it. That’s one of the reasons why I’m still single after 2 years. That and the fact that I haven’t felt that one click with anyone anymore. Though I met a really cute boy last year in Berlin. I think he was a bit too young for my liking though.
Someone mentioned Jake Gyllenhaal could be a contender for the Christian Grey role. I read up about who Christian Grey is and since I feel like man hunting Jake Gyllenhaal. I feel that’s a bit a screwed up way of going about things. No fears, Jake Gyllenhaal is not within reach so I very probably won’t actually go man hunting him.
I just thought up a brilliant shot for my non-existing movie. I think I grew my hair to hide in it.
More and more I’m losing the ability and the will to fantasize. When I was young I was constantly making up stories, being somewhere else, being different. These days I have trouble getting a story on paper and in bed I just roll around and eventually fall asleep with only a few sentences of fantasy having passed my mind. I suppose I’m growing up.
Yesterday I was watching some interviews and stuff on YouTube. Jake Gyllenhaal being Jake Gyllenhaal, the charming and joking movie star. I watched some stuff from the Berlin International Film Festival. My, did he look good there. That man has a winning smile.
Jake Gyllenhaal's Performances
This was a piece I started writing and now I can add to. First the bit I wrote before:
Lately I’ve been watching people of whom I expect a lot. Right now, only one name comes to mind; Jake Gyllenhaal. I believe he’s a very talented actor, but somehow, more often than not, it seems it doesn’t come quite out. Too many times I’ve watched him in some movie thinking he did all right but not brilliant. I come out of these movies thinking he can do much more than he showed. How does that work? Who’s fault is it?
And now what I think after having followed him for a little bit.
I think I figured why his performances often are ok but not brilliant, or in other words only just above average. It seems Jake needs someone to pull him into better performances. He needs a better actor playing opposite him who can drag him along, or who can inspire him to perform better. I suppose it has to do with Jake not being able to find the right form for a character himself. He's a reactionary actor, not the initiator. Shame really, because he's not always lucky enough to work opposite brilliant actors and it makes it even harder to have him be the lead.
Lately I’ve been watching people of whom I expect a lot. Right now, only one name comes to mind; Jake Gyllenhaal. I believe he’s a very talented actor, but somehow, more often than not, it seems it doesn’t come quite out. Too many times I’ve watched him in some movie thinking he did all right but not brilliant. I come out of these movies thinking he can do much more than he showed. How does that work? Who’s fault is it?
And now what I think after having followed him for a little bit.
I think I figured why his performances often are ok but not brilliant, or in other words only just above average. It seems Jake needs someone to pull him into better performances. He needs a better actor playing opposite him who can drag him along, or who can inspire him to perform better. I suppose it has to do with Jake not being able to find the right form for a character himself. He's a reactionary actor, not the initiator. Shame really, because he's not always lucky enough to work opposite brilliant actors and it makes it even harder to have him be the lead.
Why the TV-Movie Wasn't Satisfactory
Here's another one I wrote but never posted. Probably the same reasons apply for not posting and the same reasons apply for posting it now.
So far, I’ve never blogged a word about Doctor Who the TV movie. However now, I do feel the need to. The reason why all of a sudden I do feel the need? Simple. Back on the Digital Spy forum there’s a thread about the TV movie (as a matter of fact, there are several). Some people have once again stated they didn’t like the TV movie and once again some people don’t understand why so many people don’t like the TV movie.
I’m one of the people who doesn’t like the TV movie. And here is why:
1. The story isn’t great
It just isn’t. Nothing new or extraordinary (cinema wise) is happening. There are also a few story points that go against traditional Doctor Who like the Doctor being half-human (on his mother’s side). Not only does it make him less special, it also takes away from the mystery that is the Doctor.
2. It doesn’t feel like Doctor Who
This of course is a matter of opinion, but to me it’s a clear break from how Doctor Who always felt (and now starts feeling again under the reign of Moffat). It’s very obviously American and, dare I say it, Hollywood. To me it’s too generic Hollywood make which I never really like in any case.
3. The Doctor snogs a girl
A lot of people use the argument: “The Doctor snogs quite a bit in Nu Who.” Yes, that’s true, and I don’t like that either. The Doctor never snogged anyone in the Classic series; he was sort of impartial, or distant, or aloof. What, to me, makes Doctor Who special are the friendships he develops. It’s interesting to see how someone from a different species interacts with human beings. The Doctor entering a love affair with a human being is wrong for the exact reasons the 10th Doctor gives to Rose after Sarah Jane reappeared in his life. It’s wrong and unfair to both parties and therefore the Doctor should keep the distance.
4. Other things
Besides all these points, yes, the production values are better, but I never really cared much for visuals and scenery. I’m interested in the story and the characters. And yes, the TARDIS looked fabulous, but I couldn’t give a rat’s ass. I suppose what bugs me is the wrong balance in the relationship between the Master and the Doctor. There’s nothing left of the mutual respect between the two. Then the relationship between Grace and the Doctor doesn’t do it for me. Grace is nice enough, but the character never really warmed to me. Maybe because very early on it was clearly stamped on us that this was ‘Amazing’ Grace. I don’t know.
So far, I’ve never blogged a word about Doctor Who the TV movie. However now, I do feel the need to. The reason why all of a sudden I do feel the need? Simple. Back on the Digital Spy forum there’s a thread about the TV movie (as a matter of fact, there are several). Some people have once again stated they didn’t like the TV movie and once again some people don’t understand why so many people don’t like the TV movie.
I’m one of the people who doesn’t like the TV movie. And here is why:
1. The story isn’t great
It just isn’t. Nothing new or extraordinary (cinema wise) is happening. There are also a few story points that go against traditional Doctor Who like the Doctor being half-human (on his mother’s side). Not only does it make him less special, it also takes away from the mystery that is the Doctor.
2. It doesn’t feel like Doctor Who
This of course is a matter of opinion, but to me it’s a clear break from how Doctor Who always felt (and now starts feeling again under the reign of Moffat). It’s very obviously American and, dare I say it, Hollywood. To me it’s too generic Hollywood make which I never really like in any case.
3. The Doctor snogs a girl
A lot of people use the argument: “The Doctor snogs quite a bit in Nu Who.” Yes, that’s true, and I don’t like that either. The Doctor never snogged anyone in the Classic series; he was sort of impartial, or distant, or aloof. What, to me, makes Doctor Who special are the friendships he develops. It’s interesting to see how someone from a different species interacts with human beings. The Doctor entering a love affair with a human being is wrong for the exact reasons the 10th Doctor gives to Rose after Sarah Jane reappeared in his life. It’s wrong and unfair to both parties and therefore the Doctor should keep the distance.
4. Other things
Besides all these points, yes, the production values are better, but I never really cared much for visuals and scenery. I’m interested in the story and the characters. And yes, the TARDIS looked fabulous, but I couldn’t give a rat’s ass. I suppose what bugs me is the wrong balance in the relationship between the Master and the Doctor. There’s nothing left of the mutual respect between the two. Then the relationship between Grace and the Doctor doesn’t do it for me. Grace is nice enough, but the character never really warmed to me. Maybe because very early on it was clearly stamped on us that this was ‘Amazing’ Grace. I don’t know.
Comebacks
I wrote this piece a little while ago. I think the reason I didn't post it yet is, I didn't quite finish it. Now I can't remember why I thought more needed to be added before throwing it out online, or what I wanted to add. It doesn't matter, here it is anyway.
Comebacks
The last few evenings I’ve been indulging in reducing into a 13-year old gibbering version of myself. For the 3rd time (I think) in 2 years I’m revisiting the ol’ good days of Take That. Well, I’m looking back, not really staring. For some reason I started to watch Gary Barlow/Robbie Williams interviews from the period when their Brokeback Mountain-ish ‘Shame’ was just released. What struck me was how genuine they seemed to be about the sticky period in which supposedly Gary and Robbie were at war with each other. Then I remembered having bought the documentary ‘Look back, Don’t Stare’ and being rather impressed by it, so I stuck it back into my computer DVD-drive and watched it again. I enjoyed just as much and maybe even more rewinding bits and pieces to rewatch one frame at a time. And eventually, I watched one of their concerts of their Progress tour and I was back in. Especially the whole dance routine during Pray warms my heart, because I’m quite sure it’s the exact same dance routine they used to do back in the days.
But this is not what this blog is about. This blog is supposed to be about comebacks. And I will talk about comebacks.
We entered a period in entertainment time were comebacks are the rule rather than the exception. Popular characters return to their proper TV-home in series (Doctor Who). Films get remade, series get remade, etc. It almost sounds as if we reached the limit of our imaginations so we start treading old and familiar grounds.
The problems with reunions and revivals are, they tend to be less successful than the original run. Only very few manage to become equally or even more successful than in the first attempt. Doctor Who did, obviously, and Take That. Incidentally two of my loves. Or is it that incidentally?
What ingredients do you need to make a comeback successful?
The Start
I believe it starts at the start. With that I mean, the concept has to be absolutely right in the first place. Also the quality has to be up to par during the first run. Defining what makes a successful concept can be tricky. Fans, media and specialists have been discussing why Doctor Who works for decades. Still there is no definitive answer. Why did Take That work in the first place? I’m not completely up-to-date in this discussion, but I believe opinions differ on this subject as well. Not a discussion to have within the discussions of comebacks.
A faithful and sentimental fanbase helps a lot too.
the Comeback
Playing on sentiments is a good start, but you have to keep in mind that not only for you time elapsed, so it did for your fans. They’re not the young people they used to be; they’ve grown and developed themselves. Next to that, they’re not the only people on the world, in fact, they very probably only make up a minority of your potential audience. You have to think of how to pull in new fans.
Quality & Credibility
Credibility is closely related to quality. Credibility is, for a great deal, created by the quality of the work. Not only the quality of the work is important for credibility, but also the own input, sincerity, originality and noticeable development.
Heart
Something that is important in every kind of art is with how much heart the art is created. People often recognize when an artist put a lot of love in his work. When the heart shines through people easily warm to it and are more likely to appreciate the work.
Comebacks
The last few evenings I’ve been indulging in reducing into a 13-year old gibbering version of myself. For the 3rd time (I think) in 2 years I’m revisiting the ol’ good days of Take That. Well, I’m looking back, not really staring. For some reason I started to watch Gary Barlow/Robbie Williams interviews from the period when their Brokeback Mountain-ish ‘Shame’ was just released. What struck me was how genuine they seemed to be about the sticky period in which supposedly Gary and Robbie were at war with each other. Then I remembered having bought the documentary ‘Look back, Don’t Stare’ and being rather impressed by it, so I stuck it back into my computer DVD-drive and watched it again. I enjoyed just as much and maybe even more rewinding bits and pieces to rewatch one frame at a time. And eventually, I watched one of their concerts of their Progress tour and I was back in. Especially the whole dance routine during Pray warms my heart, because I’m quite sure it’s the exact same dance routine they used to do back in the days.
But this is not what this blog is about. This blog is supposed to be about comebacks. And I will talk about comebacks.
We entered a period in entertainment time were comebacks are the rule rather than the exception. Popular characters return to their proper TV-home in series (Doctor Who). Films get remade, series get remade, etc. It almost sounds as if we reached the limit of our imaginations so we start treading old and familiar grounds.
The problems with reunions and revivals are, they tend to be less successful than the original run. Only very few manage to become equally or even more successful than in the first attempt. Doctor Who did, obviously, and Take That. Incidentally two of my loves. Or is it that incidentally?
What ingredients do you need to make a comeback successful?
The Start
I believe it starts at the start. With that I mean, the concept has to be absolutely right in the first place. Also the quality has to be up to par during the first run. Defining what makes a successful concept can be tricky. Fans, media and specialists have been discussing why Doctor Who works for decades. Still there is no definitive answer. Why did Take That work in the first place? I’m not completely up-to-date in this discussion, but I believe opinions differ on this subject as well. Not a discussion to have within the discussions of comebacks.
A faithful and sentimental fanbase helps a lot too.
the Comeback
Playing on sentiments is a good start, but you have to keep in mind that not only for you time elapsed, so it did for your fans. They’re not the young people they used to be; they’ve grown and developed themselves. Next to that, they’re not the only people on the world, in fact, they very probably only make up a minority of your potential audience. You have to think of how to pull in new fans.
Quality & Credibility
Credibility is closely related to quality. Credibility is, for a great deal, created by the quality of the work. Not only the quality of the work is important for credibility, but also the own input, sincerity, originality and noticeable development.
Heart
Something that is important in every kind of art is with how much heart the art is created. People often recognize when an artist put a lot of love in his work. When the heart shines through people easily warm to it and are more likely to appreciate the work.
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